- Be You! Smile, laugh, and have fun every step of the way. You are the best advertisement for your cause!
- Tell Your Story. You believe in your cause, right? So clearly communicate it, and let your passion lead the way in convincing your supporters of its worthiness. If you fundraise in memory or in honor of someone, say so—telling a personal story about your cause is a way for people to relate to you and your cause.
- Create A Timeline. Start with your end goal and work backwards from your goal in baby steps. Now you’ve built an action plan. Go, you!!!
- Set a tangible, achievable goal and let your potential sponsors know what that goal is.
- Ask Creatively. Use your imagination and sense of humor. Use visual tools and social media to reach beyond family and friends.
- Ask Directly. People often respond more quickly to a tangible request than to a general request.
- Promote Effort Through Multiple Channels. Social media, direct email, flyers and every friendly big mouth or proud parent you know.
- Follow-up! Engage supporters and potential supporters with updates on your progress and on how their money will make a difference. Send them visuals of you in action.
- Don’t Be Afraid Of Plan B. Square pegs and round holes, puppies and discipline – some things just don’t work. Don’t dim your hopes—just go in a new direction.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Ask! You’re not going to dinner with this money…you’re working to help the world!
- Ask for Pledges from family members, friends, people at school, work, people nearby, people far away. Ask your supporters about matching funds from their employers.
- Suggest A Gift Amount and show how a given amount will impact the organization.
- Thank, Thank, Thank! Recognize partners, sponsors, donors, mentors, team members, supporters, and anyone who has helped you along the way.
- Double your fun: Challenge a friend to participate with you.
